Please help me on this

[DannyVilla]

Pursuing that ideal group has got me contemplating handloading as my next major move. I’d really like to know how many of you think that putting in the extra work at the bench leads to improved hits on the target.

 

[Supervisor42]

Pursuing that ideal group has got me contemplating handloading as my next major move. I’d really like to know how many of you think that putting in the extra work at the bench leads to improved hits on the target.

All guns shoot better groups with different bullets, and different amounts of powder, of different types of powder...
Unless you have a great deal of time, and spare money, it will take a lot of both.
My dad spent decades developing the 'perfect round' for each one of his high-accuracy rifles.
The only way he was able to do it was, he used slave-labor (us kids) to work all the machines on the loading bench...for hours.
So yes, a 1" group at 100-yards with a .243 is possible... after months of testing.

 

[CCAguns]

Well put Supervisor42. I’ve been reloading for 45 years. It used to be economical and the only way to get accurate ammo. Accuracy has gotten exceptional with many rifles and factory loads. Reloading cost has gotten high even when you can find the preferred components.

Today. Hornady Superperformance, Nosler Trophy and Winchester Ballistic Silvertip reach velocities my reloads can’t. Additionally, they are very accurate.

I’d suggest trying these fine factory ammos. I easily shoot a box or two testing one specific bullet reload. Ive found an accurate load with as few as six factory rounds shot from my rifle. Even when you use one box of factory and only shoot 1-1/2” at 100 yards, the remaining rounds from that box will easily take a deer. Sometimes you rifle just likes a different weight bullet in the same brand ammo.

Reloading takes a lot of time that could be better spent practicing shooting.

 

[Alan]

All guns shoot better groups with different bullets, and different amounts of powder, of different types of powder...
Unless you have a great deal of time, and spare money, it will take a lot of both.
My dad spent decades developing the 'perfect round' for each one of his high-accuracy rifles.
The only way he was able to do it was, he used slave-labor (us kids) to work all the machines on the loading bench...for hours.
So yes, a 1" group at 100-yards with a .243 is possible... after months of testing.

That’s a great example of what it truly takes. Many people don’t realize the extensive testing involved in finding that ideal load. Your dad’s method was pretty clever. However for most shooters, opting for reliable factory ammo is likely the more practical option.

 

[RegalB]

For me, handloading did help. It let me fine-tune rounds for my rifle and shrink my groupings. It’s not some magic fix but it definitely made a noticeable difference

 

[CCAguns]

No doubt handloading can find you a very accurate load. But ammo companies today have proprietary powders that we can’t buy boosting the velocities of their cartridges. And ammo components have increased in cost significantly of late. I suggest your time and money is better spent trying some factory ammo as previously mentioned. Most folks also benefit more so from spending more time shooting than reloading, especially if your interest is hunting.